President Gabriel Boric led the International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration at La Moneda, emphasizing progress in inclusion and the need to listen to the community. Joined by key ministers, Boric defended programs like PIE and reaffirmed future commitment. His 14-minute speech highlighted that the government has given its best in nearly four years.
On Wednesday, President Gabriel Boric took part in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration at the Palacio de La Moneda, alongside Ministers Javiera Toro of Social Development, Camila Vallejo of the General Secretariat of Government, and Carolina Arredondo of Cultures. Following a musical performance in the patio of Los Cañones, Boric delivered a speech lasting about 14 minutes.
In his address, the president highlighted progress in disability inclusion, assuring that concerns raised to him or authorities 'do not fall on deaf ears'. He shared personal stories, such as receiving letters and drawings from children during field visits, and how he reads them and sometimes contacts the senders directly. 'Being in government, arriving here, does not mean knowing it all, but that we are in a position of power to listen and solve. To listen and open spaces, open doors, open paths, and that requires being permanently connected with the people one represents', he stated.
Boric reflected on the nearing end of his term, stating: 'That is what we have tried to do during our government which is close to its end, but I want to tell you that we hold our heads high because I am certain that we have given our best'. Addressing the community, he added: 'And know this, and I tell all of you, the community of all people with some disability, that wherever we are, in the future we will continue working together, because this does not end, comrades, every day is to continue'.
A key focus was his defense of the School Integration Program (PIE). 'Some time ago it was said that the PIE had to be eliminated. PIE are school integration programs. To anyone who wants to eliminate the PIE from any place, whether in a municipality or any space, I say they are deeply wrong', he asserted. He explained that these projects enable encounters between people with and without disabilities, benefiting everyone involved.